In earlier stages of human development, stress triggered the "fight or flight" effect in your body to help mankind survive predator attacks. Luckily for early mankind, the adrenaline rush that took over in threatening situations eventually subsided once the danger had gone away allowing stress levels to return to normal. In modern times, we aren’t being hunted by animals, but we do experience other types of stress that are ongoing. Our bodies can only cope with so much adrenaline pumping through our systems before it takes a toll on our well being. Fortunately, the search for natural remedies to modern stress has led to some ancient solution - one of them being Rhodiola Rosea.
What is Rhodiola Rosea?
Rhodiola Rosea is a natural herb that flourishes in the cold, mountainous regions of Asia and Europe. Due to its preference for the frigid zones, it is also known as arctic root or golden root.
The roots are the part of the plant used as a natural remedy since it is considered an adaptogen, as reported in the Alternative Medicine Review. Basically, this means it contains a substance that helps your body to adapt well to stress.
The root of Rhodiola Rosea contains over 140 active ingredients, but the two most potent are rosavin and salidroside. Rosavin (cinnamyl alcohol glycoside) is a compound believed to provide an antidepressant action and anxiety-inhibitor.
Salidroside (rhodioloside) is a chemical compound that has the same properties as rosavin, and possibly more potent.
For centuries, Rhodiola Rosea has been consumed by people in Russian and Scandinavian countries to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fatigue. In the U.S. today, it is used extensively as a health supplement for the benefits it is reported to provide.
Stress reduction
The way adaptogens are known to work is to increase your body's own ability to resist stress. Therefore, there is an understanding among supporters of natural health that consuming them helps you to better manage stressful situations.
In one study conducted, 101 people dealing with life and work-related stress were given 400 mg of Rhodiola extract daily for four weeks. The participants experienced significant improvements in their symptoms after only three days, and these continued for the duration of the study.
Battling fatigue
Fatigue is an impossible response to stress - you are emotionally and mentally exhausted, yet you have trouble sleeping. Reducing your level of anxiety makes it easier to rest deeply and wake up feeling rejuvenated.
In another study, 100 people with chronic fatigue syndrome were given 400 mg of Rhodiola daily for eight weeks. After one week they all noted improvements in the stress and fatigue symptoms.
Supporting mood
Over 18 million people in the US suffer from depression. It influences how you feel and act and has been linked to unbalanced brain chemicals.
Health professionals have traditionally prescribed antidepressants, but many believe that Rhodiola can also support people to cope in their day to day lives. In a six-week study of people with mild to moderate depression, participants were randomly given either 340 mg or 680 mg of Rhodiola, or a placebo.
The placebo group showed no improvements, while the others celebrated vastly improved emotional stability.
Better brain function
To function at its best, your brain needs the benefits of proper nutrition, exercise, and restful sleep. When you are under a lot of stress, your body fails to assimilate essential nutrients, your physical performance is sluggish and you sleep fretfully.
Rhodiola was used again in a study involving 56 physicians on night duty. They were randomly assigned either 170 mg of Rhodiola or a placebo pill daily for two weeks. Overall, the doctors that received the Rhodiola improved their work performance by 20%, compared with the placebo.
Will Rhodiola Rosea work for you?
The National Center for Integrative and Complementary Health (NIH) mentions that although testing on the effectiveness of Rhodiola Rosea has not been extensive, it has historically been used and is currently is being used to counteract fatigue, exhaustion, anxiety, anemia, infections, headaches, and lack of stamina due to stress. As a dietary supplement, it has the potential to vastly improve your quality of life.
We stacked Rhoidiola with 5 other stress-fighting adaptogens to support you against stress from modern life. FOCL Day's formula takes the best of Mother Nature to help you leave stress behind and focus on what matters most, so you can be your best every day.
